Croatian utility man unfazed by pressure

Danijel Pranjic faces his toughest task at FCB so far on Wednesday - not a strenuous workout or anything like that, but a first German lesson. Anyone listening to the Croatia international’s flawless English senses the summer signing from Heerenveen will take it in his stride, probably with the same quiet ease he has shown in winning a place in the Bayern team after just a few weeks at the club.

“Basically, football is very simple: the best players play. If I play well, I’ll be in the starting line-up. I’m working hard, and I hope I’ll be in the first team,” Pranjic told a news conference on Tuesday. He appeared at left-back in the cup on Sunday, although he generally filled a left midfield role during pre-season. Versatility is his greatest asset. “I can play anywhere on the left,” said Pranjic, who occasionally slotted in as a third striker for Heerenveen.